The European Commission is proposing to roll back some Green Deal environmental rules for farmers. Brussels also wants to reduce the administrative burden on small agricultural companies. In doing so, Agriculture Commissioner Janius Wojciechowski says he is meeting the demands of European farmers who have been demonstrating for weeks.
The European Commission this week finalized the weakening of four Green Deal rules, going against the advice of scientists who say agriculture must become more sustainable. The new approach, among other things, puts an end to the annual fallowing of pieces of arable land to promote biodiversity. It is also no longer necessary to change crops every few years.
These measures were drafted in 2022, shortly before Russia's war against Ukraine broke out. That war led to fears of less food availability, which is why these rules have not yet been put into practice in recent years. In that sense, not much will change for farmers.
In addition, the requirements for the cultivation of various plants, for the protection of the soil against erosion and leaching, as well as the requirements for the protection of grassland in natural areas will be noticeably weakened. In addition, the European Commission has announced that it wants to relax the rules for the use of crop protection products and fertilizers.
It is not yet clear whether there will also be a change or expansion of the EU agricultural subsidies. Many stand organizations and farmers are pushing for this, but that depends on the entire EU budget. This is precisely where significant cuts will have to be made in the coming years, partly because aid to Ukraine will cost tens of billions.
For the latter changes, Brussels also needs the consent of the European Parliament, which is going on election recess next month.
The proposed relaxation of environmental rules is being described as 'too little, too late' by various agricultural organizations. At the same time there are protests from Greens and environmental organizations. On Tuesday, Wojciechowski will discuss his proposals with the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee, and a week later with the 27 Agriculture Ministers.
During a separate debate, agricultural members of the European Parliament will discuss 'the European environmental goals for agriculture' with Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra.
Environmental groups warn that the weakening of the standards will effectively abolish the already low ecological requirements for farmers. Greenpeace said the price for society as a whole was too high. The European Commission is acting blindly and contrary to scientific facts, according to the WWF organization.